Rangers falter at Tynecastle

Wednesday 30 January 2008 00:11 BST

Rangers' title hopes were dealt a further blow when they slumped to a 2-1 defeat against 10-man Hearts in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The Ibrox side were already trailing leaders Celtic by four points ahead of the trip to Tynecastle and goals from Marius Zaliukas and Laryea Kingston added to their woes, with an own-goal from Christos Karipidis failing to alter the final outcome.

Hearts admitted ahead of the game their players had not been paid for the second time this season but, with a fifth consecutive win bonus to collect, the Edinburgh side will be hoping funds are in their accounts as promised on Monday.

Hearts had the first chance when Andrew Driver had a go from the edge of the area but the shot was comfortably held by Allan McGregor in the Rangers goal. At the other end, Kirk Broadfoot set up Kris Boyd with a cross from the right but the striker's header from six yards was gathered by Hearts stopper Jamie MacDonald.

Hearts had the best of the opening spell but Rangers had the opportunity to gain an early advantage with a free-kick just outside the box after Robbie Neilson handled the ball. Pedro Mendes played the set-piece short to Boyd but he blasted well wide of the target.

It was Hearts who took the lead after 20 minutes when Bruno Aguiar's free-kick found Christophe Berra and his header crashed off the post. The ball broke to Zaliukas, who rifled home the rebound.

Hearts increased their lead just three minutes later, with another set-piece from Aguiar wreaking havoc in the box. Berra again connected and saw his header blocked by McGregor before Kingston bundled over the line with his head.

Rangers were undeterred and pulled a goal back with 26 minutes on the clock. Karipidis and Boyd both rose in the box to meet a Charlie Adam free-kick, the Hearts player's header came off the underside of the bar and Karipidis succeeded only in helping the ball into his own net in his attempts to clear.

Kingston was then unfortunate not to add to his tally when he swiped at fresh air at the near post after being set up for the shot by Aguiar. He then drew an impressive save from McGregor from a powerful long-range drive, as the home side attempted to add to their lead.

Rangers went looking for an equaliser and the Ibrox side's cause was then aided when Lee Wallace picked up his second yellow card but the hosts hung on for the win.